Airport Express Now Shipping

[MacRumors]

According to several reader reports, Apple has begun shipping the much-anticipated Airport Express (http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/) wireless base station. The Express offers 802.11g wireless networking for up to 10 computers, as well as a USB port to connect wirelessly to printers, but most importantly works as a wireless audio bridge to home stereo equipment via an 1/8" audio line-out jack. Working with AirTunes, the Airport Express offers another link in Apple's "digital hub" model, providing a way to move music from the PC to the stereo. The Airport Express is cross-platform compatible, offering its services to Macs and PCs alike. AirTunes is built into the current release of iTunes (http://www.apple.com/itunes) for both Mac & PC.

[invaLPsion]

Great, now Apple can start worrying about getting those dual 2.5s out. :rolleyes:

[musicpyrite]

Apple seems to be getting more like Microsoft, everything is going to be delayed or late.

Look at SP2.

Glad they got it out though. (even though it's probbably only in the US)

[youngr40]

Not shipping in the UK yet :-(

[AmigoMac]

But first, have to clean my credit card and give a go after Paris expo ... let's see what santa steve brings... ;)

[patrick0brien]

-All

Is it in the retail stores yet?

[Koodauw]

I am really looking forward to AEx. I sit in my living room with my PB all the time. Now I can listen to my music through the stereo, and not my headphones. It will also be great for traveling. So compact.

Should be here on the 16th. Coming from Taiwan I believe. :D

[Mac Boy-Canada]

Can someone tell me if it will be easy to use, when they get it? I am considering getting one, but I want to see if it would work easily. :confused:

[dizastor]

AirPort Express with AirTunes... now shipping via UPS ground.

[Rajj]

Can someone tell me if it will be easy to use, when they get it? I am considering getting one, but I want to see if it would work easily. :confused:

If it is an Apple product, it will be easy to use!!

[Sabbath]

Not shipping in the UK yet :-(

Yup, my UK edu order hasn't shipped yet, I will be perfectly happy if they ship it on or before the 15th as they stated however. Come on Apple you have 2days to ship me something on time for once!

[mainstreetmark]

Apple seems to be getting more like Microsoft, everything is going to be delayed or late.

Look at SP2.

Glad they got it out though. (even though it's probbably only in the US)

Bull.

So, you'd rather they not announce what they've got coming, then? This is quite common for manufactured goods - get some pre-orders going so you get a good idea of the demand.

[pkradd]

Apple said the product would ship in July. It's July and it's shipping. Oh yes, it's not delayed.

[the_mole1314]

I'm getting one for college, those things are going to be a life-saver! Lets just hope you can add encryption and a password to those buggers...

[al256]

I ordered mine when it was announced and also paid extra for overnight shipping too! Now that I'm looking on the tracking page it says:

Ship date
Jul 13, 2004

Estimated delivery date
Jul 16, 2004 by 10:30 am

I feel kinda gyped. Anyone else have this problem?

After thinking about it some more, I gues it's gonna get here on the 16th which is fine since it was suppose to ship on the 15th. So either way it would be have been here on the16th

[al256]

I am really looking forward to AEx. I sit in my living room with my PB all the time. Now I can listen to my music through the stereo, and not my headphones. It will also be great for traveling. So compact.

I hear ya! I do the exact same thing. It's nice to know there's more of us out there.

Should be here on the 16th. Coming from Taiwan I believe. :D

You too, huh? meh...

[jer2665]

grr, i ordered mine the day they came out, and haven't heard anything yet. i hope i hear soon.

[musicpyrite]

Bull.

So, you'd rather they not announce what they've got coming, then? This is quite common for manufactured goods - get some pre-orders going so you get a good idea of the demand.

I don't really know what your talking about...

I was just saying that almost every Apple product seems to be delayd.

Look at the: iPod mini, Xserve, the iMac, iTunes (sort of), ect. (some of them delayed more than once)

I'd rather have a product avaliable as soon as possile, no matter which countries they are avaliable in, but I would be nice to a world wide lauch of something all at the same time, like the dual 2.5. (if it happens)

[Wonder Boy]

but when will it be in stores?

[macridah]

If you try to order one today, then you'll have to wait 3-4 weeks. Is this going to be like the ipod mini? So i doubt it will be readily available in apple stores if people trying to order some today online have to wait.

[Wonder Boy]

If you try to order one today, then you'll have to wait 3-4 weeks. Is this going to be like the ipod mini? So i doubt it will be readily available in apple stores if people trying to order some today online have to wait.

i'm thinking the same. i was wondering if i should order online or wait till they are in stores. its possible i could get one in about the same time.

[rdrr]

Just called my local Apple Store in Salem NH, and they do not have it in store... :( So if you have it shipping now you will be the first to receive them.

Let us know... :)

[rohitp]

If you have a wireless network, here is a cheap solution that already works.

I have a G5 in the house that is hooked up to my stereo. When I am out by the pool, I use my Powerbook with its wireless connection to control the G5. Using the free VNC I get the entire screen of the G5 on my laptop and can control iTunes completely including volume and eq.

[AliensAreFuzzy]

Darn you Apple! I have to decide what to get now. Either a Mini (I know where to get one now :D) or Airport Express. The choices!

[rdrr]

If you have a wireless network, here is a cheap solution that already works.

I have a G5 in the house that is hooked up to my stereo. When I am out by the pool, I use my Powerbook with its wireless connection to control the G5. Using the free VNC I get the entire screen of the G5 on my laptop and can control iTunes completely including volume and eq.


Hehe cheap... :rolleyes:

Which is greater, (G5 + Powerbook) or (Powerbook + Airport Express). I think you forgot to carry the one. :D

[jimsowden]

Apple Stores usually get things last. Resellers order the same way the retail stores do, so they are in the same boat.

[denm316]

Well if you order today dont expect it soon. I just ordered one and my ship date is on or before 08/10/04

[wPod]

ill probably get one when they are in the stores. so then when something is broken they recognize me when i come to get it fixed and they are usually very nice (at least at the apple retail stores!)

[davecuse]

On or before 08/09/2004

Why so long?

[ITR 81]

On or before 08/09/2004

Why so long?

Because he ordered it today.

Apple has to fill all it's pre-orders before it can start shipping all of today's orders.

[mambodancer]

Apple Stores usually get things last. Resellers order the same way the retail stores do, so they are in the same boat.

Working in an Apple Retail store I think this thing will be flying off the shelves based on the enquiries we have been getting since its announcement. Most people asking about Airport Express want to buy 2-3 at a time. This thing may be harder to get than iPod mini's for awhile.

[nagromme]

To make its portable size REALLY useful it needs a modem. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if I could have wireless for my PowerBook anywhere. Lots of places you work with a laptop have no broadband.

(And V.92 please, not V.90 like the Airport Extreme--that way you can still get calls while online! I love that feature of my PowerBook modem, especially when I have to tie up someone else's phone on the road.)

[b.k.jackson]

Woohoo! Mine shipped today :)

I noticed that the stereo connection kit is scheduled to ship on 7-15 - I wonder if they're trying to get them both to arrive at the same time (1 from Taiwan, 1 from Cali)

Brian

[SeaFox]

Woohoo! Mine shipped today :)

I noticed that the stereo connection kit is scheduled to ship on 7-15 - I wonder if they're trying to get them both to arrive at the same time (1 from Taiwan, 1 from Cali)

Brian


Why did you order that cable kit from Apple? You can get them from any high-end stereo dealer. Actually you can get those cables from any Wal-Mart.

[sonyrules]

I got a question for anyone that hopefully has an answer,

I got a powermac g4, single 800, And i was looking at this to stream my music to stereo, I only have a "B" type wireless connection. I know B and G are interchangeable, But how about the audio part of it??? Is that for G connections only??

[ravenvii]

When you guys get it, PLEASE confirm that it can act as a wireless-ethernet bridge. If this can be confirmed, I'm gonna buy one as soon as it gets in stores.

[impierced]

Why did you order that cable kit from Apple? You can get them from any high-end stereo dealer. Actually you can get those cables from any Wal-Mart.

Wal-Mart sells a "mini-to-optical digital Toslink audio cable"? How much are they?

[sfr79]

When you guys get it, PLEASE confirm that it can act as a wireless-ethernet bridge. If this can be confirmed, I'm gonna buy one as soon as it gets in stores.

You can use this as a bridge:
You can use AirPort Express as a wireless bridge to extend the range of your primary base station.(5)

(from www.apple.com/airportexpress)

[ravenvii]

No, I don't mean extend wireless range, I mean use it to enable a wired computer (or game console or some other ethernet-enabled device) to connect wirelessly to the router.

PC-->ethernet-->AirPort Express-->router-->modem

Hence ethernet-wireless bridge. The AEx has a WAN port, not a LAN, so theorically it may not work. But it is also possible that the WAN port is autosensing, and hence can be used as a LAN port.

That is what I want confirmed.

[Trekkie]

I ordered mine when it was announced and also paid extra for overnight shipping too! Now that I'm looking on the tracking page it says:

Ship date
Jul 13, 2004

Estimated delivery date
Jul 16, 2004 by 10:30 am

I feel kinda gyped. Anyone else have this problem?

After thinking about it some more, I gues it's gonna get here on the 16th which is fine since it was suppose to ship on the 15th. So either way it would be have been here on the16th

Mine shows shipped on 7/13 at 8PM in Taiwan, but it missed the fedex cutoff.

[sfr79]

No, I don't mean extend wireless range, I mean use it to enable a wired computer (or game console or some other ethernet-enabled device) to connect wirelessly to the router.

PC-->ethernet-->AirPort Express-->router-->modem

Hence ethernet-wireless bridge. The AEx has a WAN port, not a LAN, so theorically it may not work. But it is also possible that the WAN port is autosensing, and hence can be used as a LAN port.

That is what I want confirmed.

That is what a bridge is. A bridge translates layer 2 protocols, in this case from Ethernet to 802.11b/g. So you would be able to use an ethernet based device like you describe.

[jbembe]

Can someone tell me if it will be easy to use, when they get it? I am considering getting one, but I want to see if it would work easily. :confused:


You know that you're asking this about a MAC product, right? The hardest part is ripping your CD collection, guarunteed.

I can't wait, I'm moving soon and will be doing what I can to set this up in the new casa.

[Xenious]

Mine shows shipped on 7/13 at 8PM in Taiwan, but it missed the fedex cutoff.

Mine too. Who do we curse now? ;)

[al256]

No, I don't mean extend wireless range, I mean use it to enable a wired computer (or game console or some other ethernet-enabled device) to connect wirelessly to the router.

PC-->ethernet-->AirPort Express-->router-->modem

Hence ethernet-wireless bridge. The AEx has a WAN port, not a LAN, so theorically it may not work. But it is also possible that the WAN port is autosensing, and hence can be used as a LAN port.

That is what I want confirmed.


Let me quote Apple on this issue:
"Question: Can networkable game consoles and digital video recorders join my network via AirPort Express?

Answer: Yes, if you have the proper network adapters for your devices and have set them up properly. They can connect wirelessly when AirPort Express is your only base station or when it's in WDS mode. They can connect via wire when AirPort Express is a WDS remote (the reason for this is described in the next question). They cannot connect either way when AirPort Express is in client mode."

It's all in their "AirPort Express frequently asked questions (FAQ)" webpage.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108038

Just see check out what Apple has to say sometimes...

[debo]

The wds mode sounds pretty cool, but again apple says it requires an extreme base station. Lets hope they are just covering their butts here and that it will work with *most* other wireless routers.

[impierced]

The wds mode sounds pretty cool, but again apple says it requires an extreme base station. Lets hope they are just covering their butts here and that it will work with *most* other wireless routers.

I agree, but I'm not holding my breath.

[b.k.jackson]

Why did you order that cable kit from Apple? You can get them from any high-end stereo dealer. Actually you can get those cables from any Wal-Mart.

Because I use monster cables with the rest of my components (insert debate on high-end cabling here) and also the kit comes with a longer power cable with the special end on it (a la PowerBook adaptors) that I will need to get power to the unit. I want it high up in my component shelf for better reception.

Brian

[jcaplan]

The wds mode sounds pretty cool, but again apple says it requires an extreme base station. Lets hope they are just covering their butts here and that it will work with *most* other wireless routers.

There is no standard defined for wireless bridging or WDS. Each vendor has implemented their own versions, although I hear Buffalo access points work with Apple WDS.

[foolerytom]

My purchase date was 6/8, but my status still shows "on or before July 15." For those of you who have a shipping confirmation, when did you purchase?

[Jalexster]

I remember reading on the AirPort Express tech-spec page on Apple's website, that the ethernet port can be used for WAN or LAN.

Also, I have a non-AirPort network (It's an Extreme-G network from a D-Link DI-624 - works like a dream), that I would like to add an AirPort Express Unit too.

Now this is the important bit, I don't care about it extending my network, I just want it to join it, so it can have music streamed to it. I think that this will be possible, but does anyone know. Remember, I don't want to extend my network with it, I just want it to join my network.

[FreeState]

My purchase date was 6/8, but my status still shows "on or before July 15." For those of you who have a shipping confirmation, when did you purchase?

I ordered mine on the 9th. Everyone I know who ordered on the 7th has it shipped already. My guess is they are shipping by order date... so tomorrow will be your ship date and mine I hope:confused:

Also for those thinking of ordering it online now - I would wait. I did the same thing with the mini iPod and it was in the stores but I had to wait for a month and 1/2 to get it from Apple.com. See if its in the stores first then order! :rolleyes:

[Wender]

Does anyone know if there are any integrated stereo amplifiers with digital optical input available?

I mean - STEREO amp, not surround amp?

[jjmaximum]

It is about 2 years old, costs around $350 and works GREAT. I would assume anything newer about that price range would have them too...

Does anyone know if there are any integrated stereo amplifiers with digital optical input available?

I mean - STEREO amp, not surround amp?

[Wender]

No, that's not an integrated stereo amplifier. It's a receiver.

Actually it's an A/V surround receiver. I don't need that.

Again: I'm looking for an integrated STEREO amplifier of about 2 x 100 watts or more with an optical digital input. Does it exist? I can't find it.

[HoserHead]

I don't care about it extending my network, I just want it to join it, so it can have music streamed to it.
Yes, this works.

I guarantee you will have all your questions answered if you visit the Knowledge Base article: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108038

[davecuse]

I'm looking for an integrated STEREO amplifier of about 2 x 100 watts or more with an optical digital input. Does it exist? I can't find it.

Check out some of the higher end components maybe Parasound, Carver or one of the likes, if you do find something please post it here, I would be interested to see what's out there.

[gregorypierce]

Unlike some of you I DO want the Express to extend the range of my wireless network. In that respect I am interested in whether this will work with any other 3rd party system. Apple's site says that it can't, at which point what I'd need to do is buy multiple of the Express and position them such that they are repeaters with the first node in the chain connected to an RJ45 port.


I would love to hear of people's experiences in this regard as I don't have any plans to spend $200 on an Airport base station.

[Bhennies]

Unlike some of you I DO want the Express to extend the range of my wireless network. In that respect I am interested in whether this will work with any other 3rd party system. Apple's site says that it can't, at which point what I'd need to do is buy multiple of the Express and position them such that they are repeaters with the first node in the chain connected to an RJ45 port.


I would love to hear of people's experiences in this regard as I don't have any plans to spend $200 on an Airport base station.I was told that it will work as an extender with a 3rd party setup. It better, 'cause that's why I'm getting it.

[aswitcher]

Mines due to ship Friday...We shall see if Australia has stock then I guess.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I ordered mine on the 9th. Everyone I know who ordered on the 7th has it shipped already. My guess is they are shipping by order date... so tomorrow will be your ship date and mine I hope:confused:


I ordered on the 7th, one hour after it was announced, and mine is not shipped yet, I haven't even gotten a proper estimate for when to expect it... :mad:

[Jalexster]

Question: Since AirPort Express only has one Ethernet port, does it act as a LAN port, WAN port, or both?

Answer: Depending on how you have it set up, the Ethernet port can function as a LAN port (defined as either simple bridging or sharing your Internet connection via network address translation) or a WAN port (connecting to your broadband Internet service provider or upstream router). However, it never acts as both simultaneously in the way that the original AirPort Base Station (Graphite) can. When the AirPort Express is using network address translation, the Ethernet port acts as a WAN port. When it is set up as a WDS remote station, it can act as a LAN port.

When it is set up as a WDS remote station, it can act as a LAN port.
This means it can act as a Ethernet to wireless bridge. But, it will only bridge it to an existing AirPort Extreme/Express network.

I'll clarify it a bit:

If you have an AirPort Extreme or Express Base Station, acting as the "core" of your wireless network (The WDS main unit),then you can have an AirPort Express unit join the network WDS network that it is creating, and bridge an ethernet connection to the wireless network.

In other words, yes you can stick a Games Console on your network wirelessly using an AirPort Express unit, as long as your main router is an AirPort Extreme or Express unit, set up in a WDS configuration.

Hope that makes sense.

[Jalexster]

AirPort Express: What is client mode?
When talking about a Wi-Fi network, a "client" is simply something that joins the network, like your computer. A client could also be a wireless print server or wireless audio device.

AirPort Express can function as a full-fledged wireless access point, or it can join an existing network just to offer its wireless print server and audio features. When AirPort Express does that, it is in "client mode."

In client mode AirPort Express does not offer itself as a wireless access point or use its Ethernet port. As a wireless client, AirPort Express is simply a destination for AirTunes and print jobs. It can join both 802.11b and 802.11g networks, including those using security features such as WEP and WPA-PSK.

Wireless Distribution System is another way for AirPort Express to join an existing Wi-Fi network. AirPort Express uses its Ethernet port and can offer its wireless access point in WDS mode, but it requires that your other access points be AirPort Extreme and/or AirPort Express. Client mode's advantage is that you can join the networks of non-Apple access points and earlier AirPort base stations ("Dual Ethernet" and "Graphite" models).

Tip: Other Wi-Fi product manufacturers have different names for "client mode." These include "client station mode," "AP client mode," "wireless client mode", and "STA mode." Whenever one of these modes is required, just remember that "client mode" is the same thing.
- http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108040

Well, it looks like AirPort Express units are able to join 3rd-party networks, but you can only print wirelessly to them, or use the Audio features, no Ethernet Bridge, no WDS (Extending the wireless range)

To sum everything up:

If you connect your AirPort Express unit to a 3rd party network may it wired or wireless, it can share a printer, and have music streamed to it (and it can act as a Wireless Access Point if it's connected to a wired network)

If you connect your AirPort Express unit to an Existing AirPort Extreme if AirPort Express network through a wired connection, it can share a printer, and have music streamed to it.

If you connect your AirPort Express unit to an existing AirPort Extreme or AirPort Express network wirelessly, it can share a printer, have music streamed to it, AND act as a Ethernet Bridge. You can even make it a DCHP server (and share a broadband connection), if there isn't already a DCHP server on your network (The DCHP server DOSEN't have to be the WDS main unit).

I hope this all makes sense.

[JOD8FY]

I stopped by the Apple Store today and picked up an AE card. I asked the guy if they had any AEx basestations in yet, but he said they didn't. I asked when they'd get them in and he said a couple of weeks. I'm hoping they get there soon, because now that I've got the card, I can't wait for the base station!

JOD8FY

[virividox]

i was really hoping to buy one, but after testing the range in my house it would mean i would need to buy several base stations to make this work; damn concrete and reinforced steel

[BobVB]

I ordered mine on the 9th. Everyone I know who ordered on the 7th has it shipped already

Hey! I ordered on the 7th and mine hasn't shipped!!!! :(

[izzle22]

Hey! I ordered on the 7th and mine hasn't shipped!!!! :(


I Ordered Mine On The 7th Also And It's Not Shipped Yet Either!! :(

[pascalpp]

Does anyone know if an Airport Express Base Station has a port mapping pane in the Airport Admin Utility like the regular Airport (Extreme) Base Station?

(FYI- port mapping allows you to pass incoming traffic on certain ports through to certain machine on the wireless network. For example, all incoming web requests - on port 80 - can be passed off to a machine running a web server which can then respond to those requests.)

If it doesn't then I guess I'll have to buy the regular base station.

[artguy]

Hey!
I ordered my Airport Express June 7, and like others had it ship today. I also paid for overnite shipping, and found it would not be arriving 'til Friday. A call to Apple explained all. Products that ship direct to the customer from overseas always go fedex 3 day. So if you are patiently (yeah right!) waiting for your parcel, call Apple in the meantime, and they will credit your overnite shipping fee on the spot! Hope this answers any questions anyone might have! - Kurt

[garybUK]

No, that's not an integrated stereo amplifier. It's a receiver.

Actually it's an A/V surround receiver. I don't need that.

Again: I'm looking for an integrated STEREO amplifier of about 2 x 100 watts or more with an optical digital input. Does it exist? I can't find it.

Why on earth would you want digital connection for stereo sound? i have found that unless you are using High Def Compact Disks that analogue gives superior sound, depending upon the dac's in your amp.

You could invest in a external DAC like the cyrus Q7 dac but some descent cables and speaker cables would be better, obviously this depends on your current setup.

I personally use analog connection to/from my mac + all my equipment I have a Arcam FMJ AV8 Pre-Amp, FMJ P7 7 Channel 150watt Power Amp, B&W DM60x series speakers Front/Rear & Chord Interconnects between my equipment and QED Speaker cables. I will add one of these express' to my system and using analog connections.

[Maxicek]

This means it can act as a Ethernet to wireless bridge. But, it will only bridge it to an existing AirPort Extreme/Express network.


I seem to recall reading a review around the time it was launced that said that technically it may work as a bridge with other wireless products. I guess we'll have to wait and see on that one.

I have a Netgear DG824M ADSL Modem/Router/Firewall/802.11b Wireless. Am I right in thinking I can ethernet cable an Airport Express to the Router and then use extra Airport Express to extend the wireless network at 802.11g speeds?

[Sabbath]

Has anyone in the UK had there's ship yet? Just wondering if these early shipments are US only or irrespective of location. I'm hoping Apple has enough of these to meet the 7/15 ship date for all (especially me :D ). No reason to complain yet its still only 7/14 but previous experience makes me a little sceptical.

[aswitcher]

Here is Sydney Australia mine still says "On or before 07/15/2004"

[Gimzotoy]

I ordered mine on the 7th as well. It hasn't shipped, yet. And given that it is, what, 9PM in Taiwan right now, it probably isn't going to. I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow to see if these things ship on time... :mad:

[artguy]

I was told by Apple orders sent from Taiwan use 3 day express saver, and had my overnite shipping fee credited to my account. Lo and behold this morning, it has shown up in Boston and will be delivered today! So it really IS overnite!! Guess I'll have to delay going to Macworld for an hout or two!!!! :D

[jer2665]

I just got my confirmation that it shipped today. I had ordered it the seventh, and was pissed when it didn't ship yesterday. I had gotten 2 day shipping, so luckily it came today. If it didn't ship till thursday, and I wouldn't have gotten it till money, I would have been pissed. But it's all worked out.

[ssamani]

80,000 pre-orders! That's more than the original iPod sold in its first 18 months total (70,000). If that rate holds up its going to compete with the Mac for no. of units shipped, though the profit on each is going to be even less than the iPod so not greate shakes on revenue. Who would have thought a audio jack could turn a router into a knock out product. My reaction was why wasn't there an output to stream iPhotos to my TV and a TV based UI for controlling what's on? But I guess that Apple knows its market better than I...

Now... a digital radio tuner in the 4G iPod for us UK users and a 3G mobile handset with video / voice over IP to iChat and my gadget dreams will be fulfilled....

Sanj

[germ war]

Got mine this morning! Sweet. Can't wait to go home and mess with it.

[SeaFox]

Wal-Mart sells a "mini-to-optical digital Toslink audio cable"? How much are they?

Okay, I'm having trouble finding them at Wal-Mart's online store, and I don't have time to go to the brick and mortar one. In fact, I don't think I bought my cable at Wal-Mart, but I did buy it at a retail store (maybe it was Target or Kmart?). And I spent less than $15. It's six feet long and has TOS link connectors with includd adapter tipes for mini. It's not a Monster cable, it's Magnavox branded.

I guess when you consider you're getting analog AND optical cables, plus the base station extention cord (which should be included with the Aex in my opinion) then maybe you have a $39 package. But if all you need is a single cable, there are far quicker, cheaper places to get one (even a Monster).

[crzyltlman]

Got mine this morning! Sweet. Can't wait to go home and mess with it.
I got mine this morning as well. Next day shipping from Taiwan -- impressive!

I hooked it up and had it working within 30 minutes. Joined my existing Linksys router wireless network using WPA. Everything seems to work great.

:cool:

[Gimzotoy]

Wow. People are getting theirs already, and mine hasn't even shipped yet! Yup, that's about my luck.

[germ war]

I got mine this morning as well. Next day shipping from Taiwan -- impressive!

I hooked it up and had it working within 30 minutes. Joined my existing Linksys router wireless network using WPA. Everything seems to work great.

:cool:

So you COULD extend your 3rd party network? I have a Microsoft router, but it's in the basement and I was hoping Airport Express would help me extend our network upstairs so we get a better signal, but I was under the impression that it wouldn't work that way. If it does, that's great - saves me having to go and buy an AP Extreme Base Station.

[al256]

I just got mine and I have all the cords (not the kit but just from being a nerd). I have the orginal Tibook 400 with the 'regular' 802.11B Airport card. If anyone has the 'block' power adapter for their Powerbook(s) you can use that power adapter with the express. Music streaming works perfectly over the slower 802.11B network. I have yet to test printing because my printer is a real P*O*S. I'm off now. I'll try answer any more question in a few hours.

[crzyltlman]

So you COULD extend your 3rd party network? I have a Microsoft router, but it's in the basement and I was hoping Airport Express would help me extend our network upstairs so we get a better signal, but I was under the impression that it wouldn't work that way. If it does, that's great - saves me having to go and buy an AP Extreme Base Station.
Actually, I don't think it does work as an extension in this configuration, where the Express is in what it they call 'client mode'. It seems like it would on the surface, but there is a bit of a difference in how the AP Express would have to behave that's not very apparent.

I'm not expert enough to explain it properly, but I'll at least give it this shot. Imagine an analogous situation where there are three devices -- a wireless router and two wireless computers -- connected in a line, with each wireless link between them at its maximum range. Like this:

Router <--> Powerbook A <--> Powerbook B

Powerbook A can talk to the router, and PowerBook B can talk to Powerbook A, but unless Powerbook A auto-forwards packets back and forth between the router and Powerbook B, then Powerbook B cannot talk to the router. In 'client mode' on the Express, I don't think this auto-forwarding occurs (at least not with 3rd party equipment). So if you replaced Powerbook A with the Express in 'client mode', you wouldn't really be extending your network.

Please, someone else correct me if I'm wrong, or give a better explanation. I'm sure this will be a topic that a lot of people will want to understand.

[debo]

Yes, that's correct, but check to see if you can extend your third party network in wds mode.

[crzyltlman]

Yes, that's correct, but check to see if you can extend your third party network in wds mode.
Is WDS a defined standard (e.g. by IEEE), or do different manufacturers have their own versions of it?

Edit: Nevermind. It looks like it's part of 802.11.

[Jalexster]

I thought I had clearly explained this, but it turns out I haven't. Let me try again:

If you connect an AirPort Express unit to a 3rd party network or an AirPort (any kind) network, using Client mode, it can ONLY:
1. Stream Audio
2. Share a Printer

If you connect an AirPort Express unit to an AirPort Extreme or Express network, using WDS, it can:
1. Stream Audio
2. Share a Printer
3. Extend the range of your wireless network
4. Act as an Ethernet-to-Wireless bridge (because the knowladge base articals state that the ethernet port acts as a LAN port if it's set as a Remote WDS unit)

I hope this is finally clear.

Edit: I forgot to mention, although WDS (Wireless Distribution System) is a 802.11 standard, different brands use different variations for it. I belive it wasn't actully a requirement for 802.11 certification, so different companies made different versions of it.

Edit 2: Turns out it supports WPA-Personal AND WEP. My mistake.

[webmatthijs]

not only that! already more than 80 000 pre-orders have been made for the airport express since july 7th. i must say its a truly remarcable little thing! it is surly a thing that you buy more than one of... :) :D :cool:

[Sabbath]

I'm really jealous of all you people who have received them already, mine hasn't even shipped yet. It sounds like we can't extend other wireless networks which is a shame, I thought one of the uses advertised was to extend access point in hotels :confused:. Hopefully it will ship tomorrow, to meet the on or before 15 July. Come on Apple please :rolleyes:

[Jalexster]

It sounds like we can't extend other wireless networks which is a shame, I thought one of the uses advertised was to extend access point in hotels :confused:

AHHHHHHHHHH! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN THIS?

If you connect an AirPort Express unit to a 3rd party network or an AirPort (any kind) network, using Client mode, it can ONLY:
1. Stream Audio
2. Share a Printer

If you connect an AirPort Express unit to an AirPort Extreme or Express network, using WDS, it can:
1. Stream Audio
2. Share a Printer
3. Extend the range of your wireless network
4. Act as an Ethernet-to-Wireless bridge (because the knowladge base articals state that the ethernet port acts as a LAN port if it's set as a Remote WDS unit)


"If you connect an AirPort Express unit to an AirPort Extreme or Express network, using WDS, it can:"
"3. Extend the range of your wireless network"

Get it? You can extend a wireless network, as long as it is an AirPort Extreme or Express network! If it is a 3rd party network, you can still stream music and share a printer, but not extend your wireless network, or have it act as an Ethernet-to-Wireless bridge.

And finally: If you jack this into an access point in a hotel, and turn the DHCP server off, you will get wireless broadband. The same applies to adding it to an existing wired network.

Do you all understand now?

[davecuse]

AHHHHHHHHHH! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN THIS?

I feel your pain, it's a very simple concept. Apple's site clearly describes what it can and cannot do. Before asking, please refer to the specs.

http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/specs.html

[crzyltlman]

AHHHHHHHHHH! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN THIS?
Chillax, man.

Sabbath, while obviously Jalexster wants you to understand that it will only extend the reach of the wireless access in a hotel if your hotel is using Airport Extremes or Expresses, that wasn't really what they had said regarding usage in hotels. They had primarily mentioned the scenario of creating a wireless network in your hotel room by plugging into a wired connection, not so much on the extending thing. (Although if you brought two Expresses, you could certainly set up a wider wireless coverage zone in your room with the wired connection.)

And back to Jalexster, I think what people have an intuitive problem with is that if the Express can act as a network extension in one mode, why not in client mode as well. Most people don't know/think about the different protocols and technologies involved. They probably see it more like, "Why can't that thing just continue to bucket-brigade my packets along?", especially when they know it CAN do it. That's just a guess.

Edited for less obnoxious sarcasm.

[Jalexster]

To me, the AirPort Express has one problem with it:

Why can I buy, for example a D-Link Ethernet-to-Wireless bridge, and a D-Link Wireless access point, link them with an Ethernet cable, and therefore extend my wireless network, by having one join my existing network, and the other one create a whole new network.

And it is possible.

[germ war]

I'm frustrated and disappointed with this so far. I went and bought an Extreme Base Station today so I could extend the network using an Airport Express. The Extreme Base Station tells me I have to distribute IP addresses in order to turn on WDS, but when I do, I lose my internet connection.

I'm assuming something's wrong with my settings, but I don't understand why this has to be such a headache.

[pounce]

apple charged my card today. my aex is supposed to ship by tomorrow, so apparently it will.

ps: i think it should be easy to setup. it's a mac thing. i don't know what these other problems are about. i'll report if i have a hiccup with it at all, but i'm not expecting trouble.

[Nobs]

I'm frustrated and disappointed with this so far. I went and bought an Extreme Base Station today so I could extend the network using an Airport Express. The Extreme Base Station tells me I have to distribute IP addresses in order to turn on WDS, but when I do, I lose my internet connection.

I'm assuming something's wrong with my settings, but I don't understand why this has to be such a headache.

Hmmm...I'm still waiting for my AEX to arrive, but I'm a little concerned that it won't work with my setup. I have my Airport Extreme Network hooked up through a wired router. I guess it's acting as a relay station. I'm hoping that Aex is smart enough to realize that my Airport Extreme sharing my internet connection already and will allow me to set it up as a remote station without a lot of hassle.

I've read the Knowledge Base article, but I'm still a little worried about the setup.

[Daveway]

I really want to get one but they're just a little high in $ for my taste right now. I just bought a new router anyway.

whoever got theirs today please post a pic or pics of it.

[aswitcher]

Found a Post office slip in my mail box this afternoon! Looks like I'll have my Air Express first thing tomorrow :)

[eddyg]

Found a Post office slip in my mail box this afternoon! Looks like I'll have my Air Express first thing tomorrow :)

Did yours actually say shipped on the online store before it arrived? Mine is still shipped on/before 15th July, which has come and gone.

Which is all a bit of a bugger 'cos I was depending on it for a party on Sat. Now I'll have to have the Powerbook in the front room where people can get to it and spill beer and drool all over it :(

Maybe I can hope that maybe it will arrive tomorrow, doubt it though. I wish we could just go and pick it up.

Cheers, Edward.

[aswitcher]

Did yours actually say shipped on the online store before it arrived? Mine is still shipped on/before 15th July, which has come and gone.

Which is all a bit of a bugger 'cos I was depending on it for a party on Sat. Now I'll have to have the Powerbook in the front room where people can get to it and spill beer and drool all over it :(

Maybe I can hope that maybe it will arrive tomorrow, doubt it though. I wish we could just go and pick it up.

Cheers, Edward.

Mmm. I just checked and it still says its an open order...not sure whats going on since I dont normally get packages and the only one I have coming is meant to go to my work address... I'll know soon...

[izzle22]

Did yours actually say shipped on the online store before it arrived? Mine is still shipped on/before 15th July, which has come and gone.

Which is all a bit of a bugger 'cos I was depending on it for a party on Sat. Now I'll have to have the Powerbook in the front room where people can get to it and spill beer and drool all over it :(

Maybe I can hope that maybe it will arrive tomorrow, doubt it though. I wish we could just go and pick it up.

Cheers, Edward.


July 15th is just now here it could ship anytime today. Mine just shipped yesterday. It won't be here till Fri.

[rdrr]

AHHHHHHHHHH! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN THIS?


:D

Did you change your underwear after you posted this? :eek:

:D

[MattG]

This thing is awesome! I'm playing with it here at work. SO simple to setup, anyone could do it.

I had a coworker (with a Win2k machine no less), stream audio over the wired network (not wirelessly mind you), to the Airport Express. Worked flawlessly. Sounds great. I can even stream music from other people's computers to the Airport Extreme, from MY copy of iTunes! This is just amazing!

[agentkow]

Okay, 2 stupid questions here...

1) When you are playing music through AirTunes, does the sound still come out through the host computer's speakers?

2) If i'm sitting in a room with my Airport equipped Powerbook and the Airport Express plugged into the wall and a stereo, but there is no wireless or wired network anywhere around, can I still stream music to the Express? eg. Do you need a network to do it?

Thanks in advance...

[robbieduncan]

Okay, 2 stupid questions here...

1) When you are playing music through AirTunes, does the sound still come out through the host computer's speakers?

2) If i'm sitting in a room with my Airport equipped Powerbook and the Airport Express plugged into the wall and a stereo, but there is no wireless or wired network anywhere around, can I still stream music to the Express? eg. Do you need a network to do it?

Thanks in advance...

Disclaimer: I don not have Airport Express yet.

1) No. It's one or the other

2) You don't need a network to use AirTunes. In this case there will be a wireless network between the Powerbook and the Airport Express basestation, but it won't go any further.

[Sabbath]

This thing is awesome! I'm playing with it here at work. SO simple to setup, anyone could do it.

I had a coworker (with a Win2k machine no less), stream audio over the wired network (not wirelessly mind you), to the Airport Express. Worked flawlessly. Sounds great. I can even stream music from other people's computers to the Airport Extreme, from MY copy of iTunes! This is just amazing!


Arrgghhhh mine still hasn't shipped, and its 5:30pm over here now. If its not shipped by 9am tomorrow morning, someone at Apple is going to get an angry phonecall. Infact I know who it is the same person who always answers my edu orders in a really moody non helpful manner, Mary! Actually I may enjoy that call :rolleyes:

[Sabbath]

I just recieved an email from Apple. Here we go again:

"Dear Apple Store Customer,


Thank you for ordering the new Airport Express!


We are very excited about the response to this great new product!
Unfortunately we cannot meet the previously estimated ship date for this
product and we now expect to ship your order by July 30th, 2004."


edit: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[red_wedge]

Arrgghhhh mine still hasn't shipped, and its 5:30pm over here now. If its not shipped by 9am tomorrow morning, someone at Apple is going to get an angry phonecall. Infact I know who it is the same person who always answers my edu orders in a really moody non helpful manner, Mary! Actually I may enjoy that call :rolleyes:

Ah, but you are forgetting the Atlantic Effect - which is of course that any Apple product already shipping in the US will only begin to ship in Europe several weeks later. This is because of the time difference. The further you are away from galactic central point (Cupertino) the longer (exponentially) it will take to receive goods. In the UK you should receive your Airport Express around two weeks late. At my location (Finland) I can expect to receive mine sometime in September. Be thankful you don't live in the Middle East, however, as the compound effect of distance multiplied by different calendar means they will either receive it in April, 2047, or that they already received it 400 years ago and by now it doesn't work anymore and they forgot to also order Apple Pro Care. Bummer.

[red_wedge]

I just recieved an email from Apple. Here we go again:

"Dear Apple Store Customer,


Thank you for ordering the new Airport Express!


We are very excited about the response to this great new product!
Unfortunately we cannot meet the previously estimated ship date for this
product and we now expect to ship your order by July 30th, 2004."


edit: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

See! That proves the Atlantic Effect is real! Sorry, pal!

[dhparsons]

Just got it - but haven't gotten home to hook it up. amazing how small it is in person!

[Doctor Q]

Ah, but you are forgetting the Atlantic Effect - which is of course that any Apple product already shipping in the US will only begin to ship in Europe several weeks later. This is because of the time difference. The further you are away from galactic central point (Cupertino) the longer (exponentially) it will take to receive goods. In the UK you should receive your Airport Express around two weeks late. At my location (Finland) I can expect to receive mine sometime in September. Be thankful you don't live in the Middle East, however, as the compound effect of distance multiplied by different calendar means they will either receive it in April, 2047, or that they already received it 400 years ago and by now it doesn't work anymore and they forgot to also order Apple Pro Care. Bummer.I wonder what the scientific explanation for this effect is? My theory is that Apple mails their products short distances in random directions. When they arrive, they are again mailed for short distances in random directions. Therefore, they tend to stay close to Cupertino, graduallly spreading out from that point. Mathematically, they could reach a distant point in a series of straight hops, but the odds get slimmer and slimmer as distance increases.

[sfr79]

I just recieved an email from Apple. Here we go again:

"Dear Apple Store Customer,


Thank you for ordering the new Airport Express!


We are very excited about the response to this great new product!
Unfortunately we cannot meet the previously estimated ship date for this
product and we now expect to ship your order by July 30th, 2004."


edit: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

they just did the same thing to me.... its not like you could go to the apple store in the mall to get one either. so much for pre ordering.

[nospleen]

They charged my card, but then the date slipped to the 23rd? :confused:

[red_wedge]

they just did the same thing to me....

Mine too, now. Screwed again by Apple. That's three times in one year. Way to go, Apple Store.

[Xenious]

Just got it - but haven't gotten home to hook it up. amazing how small it is in person!

I got my Stereo connection kit, but my AE doesn't come till tomorrow. The kit is nice.

One white monster optical audio cable (says monster on the tips)
One white monster audio cable (says monster on the tips)
One apple power cord extension thing

One more day!

[debo]

Yes! Mine Shipped!


My connection kit that is. My Airport Express expected ship date slipped to the 23rd. :(

[germ war]

I preordered mine on the 9th of June and received it yesterday. Y'know, not to brag. :D

[Winston Smith]

My ship date just pushed back to 30/7, no doubt this will happen with the iPod mini I've ordered for the good lady's birthday which will of course make me mighty unpopular.

The Atlantic effect should be considered as folklore alongside the reality distortion field. After all it spins far better than saying Steve Jobs is..(insert personal view of RDF) or that Apple doesn't care about any address without a zip code.

[Jalexster]

:D

Did you change your underwear after you posted this? :eek:

:D

No. I have good control over my bodily functions. You need good control to stop yourself urinating on a Windows computer, BECAUSE IT IS SO CRAP! I don't currently have access to my Mac, so I'm stuck with this!

And I think that I will proabably have no problem with setting up my AirPort Express. But thats just me, becuase I know before hand what I am doing. In fact, I will proably be a master at setting an AirPort Expreess unit up, even though i've never used one before! It's just some weird skill of mine. I automaticaly know how to use a piece of hardware or software, even if I've never touched it before.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I just recieved an email from Apple. Here we go again:

"Dear Apple Store Customer,


Thank you for ordering the new Airport Express!


We are very excited about the response to this great new product!
Unfortunately we cannot meet the previously estimated ship date for this
product and we now expect to ship your order by July 30th, 2004."


edit: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

Got one just like it and I'm really annoyed. I ordered within an hour of the announcement, and still my order is getting pushed to the end of the month (and who knows what's going to happen then).

It seems like Apple has f*cked all its European customers again. I'm not a happy customer right now, even if Apple in the mail claims that "Your business is very important to us, and we apologise for any inconvenience
that this change may cause." Apology NOT accepted, Apple! :mad:

[MattG]

Ok, so I just got this thing home and plugged it into my *real* stereo, and I've got to say...this might be the coolest thing Apple has ever done!!! I can't get over how easy this is to setup, how well it integrates with iTunes (and my internet connection), and how good it sounds!!

[FreeState]

Got one just like it and I'm really annoyed. I ordered within an hour of the announcement, and still my order is getting pushed to the end of the month (and who knows what's going to happen then).

It seems like Apple has f*cked all its European customers again. I'm not a happy customer right now, even if Apple in the mail claims that "Your business is very important to us, and we apologise for any inconvenience
that this change may cause." Apology NOT accepted, Apple! :mad:

I think you are right. I am in the US and ordered on the 9th (5:20pm) and its already shipped. I dont know why they do that... if I was in Bergen I'd share with you though. Lived there for 6 months in 1990 and LOVE it still. Its home away from home. (I was in Norway for 2 years- Bergen, Oslo, Drammen, Stavanger and Skien mostly) But Bergen was and is my favorite....

[Sabbath]

I ordered within an hour of the announcement, and still my order is getting pushed to the end of the month (and who knows what's going to happen then).

It seems like Apple has f*cked all its European customers again. I'm not a happy customer right now, even if Apple in the mail claims that "Your business is very important to us, and we apologise for any inconvenience
that this change may cause." Apology NOT accepted, Apple! :mad:

It's ridiculous, those who order first should receive first regardless of where they live. Apple really treat us like second class citizens and charge us higher prices. Anyway my online order tracking still says it should ship yesterday so they are going to be getting a phone call in the morning and I'm really screwed now as I move house at the end of the month, where do I ship it to :confused:

I can understand supply problems although Apple has far too many of them for my liking, but shipping to one bunch of people first regardless of when they ordered is not on, unless you explicitly state this.

edit: i before e except after c ;)

[Koodauw]

I just got home and hooked mine up. This really is great. I demoed it to my roommates. They think its cool too. Although I hope they realize that my PB is NOT just a remote control for music. I will have to say though, I need to find away to get my internet through this thing. switching between the two kinda sucks.

[pounce]

They charged my card, but then the date slipped to the 23rd? :confused:

same here on both counts. i am fully ready for this little wonder, though. so bring it on apple!

[scotta@duckfami]

I got an email today from the Apple Store that my APEx won't ship until the 23rd now :(

[debo]

I just got home and hooked mine up. This really is great. I demoed it to my roommates. They think its cool too. Although I hope they realize that my PB is NOT just a remote control for music. I will have to say though, I need to find away to get my internet through this thing. switching between the two kinda sucks.

So you cant surf the web while you stream music?

[godrifle]

For sure. I can't wait to learn from others whether the AEx will work with non-apple wireless routers.

The wds mode sounds pretty cool, but again apple says it requires an extreme base station. Lets hope they are just covering their butts here and that it will work with *most* other wireless routers.

[aswitcher]

Ok, no Airport Express at the post office.

Apple Australia say that no units in the country until next week which should get the backorders placed in June. Another week to go before it likely gets to me... :(

[timsq]

First. It is very cool. With that said, here are some things to keep in mind. It does not bridge or extend non Apple wireless routers. 2.4Ghz phones and other equipment can/will interfere with the music streaming causing iTunes to behave erradically. You can surf the web and stream music and print all at the same time. The serial number is placed so that you must remove it from the outlet get at it. There is no http configuration manager. So aside from being proprietary and clumbsy, I love it. The phone problem is kind of a bummer. It's sensitivity to interference may be a deal breaker in some circumstances. I don't think I'll be recommending it as much as I thought I would. However, I'm going to reserve final judgment until I've had it a while.

[Dr. Dastardly]

Keep in mind though that Apple will start offerning firmware upgrades for this thing periodically. It will no doubt have a somewhat of a rocky start at first but give it time before you pass judgement.

[Nobs]

I got an e-mail from Apple saying I won't be getting my AEX until 7/23 and now I checked back and it's back to 7/15. I wonder whats up?

On edit: Nevermind. Seems like a glitch. Back to waiting until next week. I gotta stop checking the order status. :(

[Sabbath]

For all of you forced to keep waiting like me, I found this review (http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews_more.php?id=4459_0_6_0_C) over at iPod lounge that you may be interested in.

edit: I'm always making typos nowadays :o

[Trekkie]

Mine is 'out for delivery' today. Woo hoo.

[b.k.jackson]

Pictures: http://www.brian-jackson.net/computing/airport_express.html

Ok - after having played with it for about 20 minutes - WOW!

Easy to setup - streaming music to the stereo = Good stuff

Another great Apple product :)

[impierced]

AHHHHHHHHHH! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN THIS?




"If you connect an AirPort Express unit to an AirPort Extreme or Express network, using WDS, it can:"
"3. Extend the range of your wireless network"

Get it? You can extend a wireless network, as long as it is an AirPort Extreme or Express network! If it is a 3rd party network, you can still stream music and share a printer, but not extend your wireless network, or have it act as an Ethernet-to-Wireless bridge.

And finally: If you jack this into an access point in a hotel, and turn the DHCP server off, you will get wireless broadband. The same applies to adding it to an existing wired network.

Do you all understand now?

Too bad you're spreading misinformation!

If your 3rd party wireless device supports WDS (a standard, not an Apple creation) then it will bridge and extend your wireless network just like an AirPort Extreme.

Though not trivial, here is a link to an Apple discussion where an individual used the sveasoft firmware with WDS support to get their LinkSys WRT54G to bridge:

http://discussions.info.apple.com/webx?50@7.hPlvasdCrte.0@.6896df11

Once 3rd party manufactures start supporting WDS fully you'll see a lot more "compatibility". Apple is just, as many suspected, covering their... well you know.

[crzyltlman]

So you cant surf the web while you stream music?
(Also to Koodauw) Yeah, you can. You just have to have the Airport Express join your existing network rather than create its own, so it can use your existing router's Net connection. There are some posts about it in the previous pages -- look for Client Mode and such.

Unrelated, I would like to point out to those who may not have noticed that iTunes keeps separate volume settings for your output selection. So I can have the volume at 100% for my Computer speakers, and only 10% for my Express output. This is handy, because the current input I'm using on my stereo would blast me out of my seat if I put it at 100%.

Also, for those confused or wondering, only the iTunes output goes to the Express. Other sounds, like text-to-speech on dialogs, comes out of your regular computer speakers.

And, another unrelated comment, I don't think AEx is a good abbreviation for the Express. It's ambiguous betwen the Extreme and the Express. You'd need to at least say AExp.

[Jalexster]

About me spreading misinformation:

Apple designed it so WDS would only work with Apple products. There is no guarantee that it will work with 3rd party products. It works with the Linksys, but that particular Linksys is probably not what the average home user has installed (I don't think home users would run a Linux router, they would probably think it was a computer or something. Stupid average users...).

So although you were correct about it working with a 3rd party, I wasn't completely wrong.

[Trekkie]

If anyone cares I got mine hooked up and I wrote up (http://www.nomorestars.com/B1021933048/C2010691658/E1080303724/index.html) a little review and first thoughts.

Very cool

[germ war]

For all of you forced to keep waiting like me, I found this review (http://www.ipodlounge.com/reviews_more.php?id=4459_0_6_0_C) over at iPod lounge that you may be interested in.

edit: I'm always making typos nowadays :o

Thanks for posting that review - I thought it was very good, and I'm happy to see someone else had difficulty in getting the Airport Express to join and extend their home network. And, like me, he also didn't know what he finally did to make it work correctly.

That said, since I got it working, it's been great and is well worth the money.

[sethypoo]

Darn you Apple! I have to decide what to get now. Either a Mini (I know where to get one now :D) or Airport Express. The choices!

How to decide: ask yourself, "Which one will I use more often?" Go with that one. :)

[marcsiry]

I had some trouble getting mine to join my existing wireless network until I remembered that I restrict access to the router via MAC address.

When I opened the 'access list' page, the router presented me a list of 32 separate MAC addresses that had attempted to access my router in the last couple of months (since I last cleared it). I live in New York City, so there's probably a ton of laptops in the apartments around me- not necessarily two dozen+ malicious wardrivers. Still, that's a hefty list!

Once I added the AExp's MAC address to my router's 'allowed' list, I was off and running. I'm streaming songs from my wife's TiBook through my AluMini 12" to the AExp, and controlling it with my Tungsten T3 via Salling Clicker. Lots of fun!

[izzle22]

If anyone cares I got mine hooked up and I wrote up (http://www.nomorestars.com/B1021933048/C2010691658/E1080303724/index.html) a little review and first thoughts.

Very cool


Thanks for the review! I just got mine today and hooked it up to my iMac with old airport card, same thing... all kinds of drops. I'm waiting on my new G5 with airport extream. Thanks for getting my hopes up. PEACE

[germ war]

I just wanted to confirm with everyone that the Airport Express DOES indeed work with Xbox Live. I just tested it out a few hours ago, playing a couple games of ESPN NHL Hockey. Works like a charm. I already loved the device, and now it's officially one of the best purchases I've ever made.

[Jalexster]

I knew it would work with XBox LIVE, because it can function as an Ethernet Bridge.

Anyway, LIVE is one of the four good things that microsoft can do (Video Games Consoles (Xbox is the king), Online Services (I love .NET and LIVE), Keyboards (They have everything you need), and Mice (Very nice ones too...))

[AppleMatt]

Well, AirPort software 4.0 has been out for a while then, long enough to be put on the AirPort Express CD's.

I wonder when everyone else gets it via Software Update?

AppleMatt

[Doctor Q]

I heard a rumor that Apple has stopped the manufacturing of the Airport card, so if you want one for an iMac you'd better find one now before they get scarce. Does anybody know more about it?

[ravenvii]

So... is it in the retail Apple Stores yet? :)

[zed2]

Well I phoned the UK Apple store and they have told me that they will not be shipping my order until 30th July. I placed my order at 1130 on the day of release.

I told them to cancel the order...they then took 20 ukp off the price for me to keep my order..

To be honest I would have preferred to get the express than the discount.

--Zed2 :cool:

[gri]

I might be naive, but for me it was not clear (as for the PB sexpert from Apple support as well) that extending your network ONLY works with Airport Express (do not know about non-Apple ones) but not with the older versions of Airport Base stations. Not compatible. So I am sitting here with my new Airport Express which is at the moment useless for me since the network I share has a normal (1st generation) base station. So caveat, it does not simply extend a networks range! :( :mad:

[izzle22]

I heard a rumor that Apple has stopped the manufacturing of the Airport card, so if you want one for an iMac you'd better find one now before they get scarce. Does anybody know more about it?

Don't go out of your way to get an old airport card! They don't work well with airport express. I have drops in music due to slow wireless speeds. I called Apple today and they said that the drops may be due to slower speeds in the original air port cards. So I will just have to wait for my new G5 2.0 which will be here on Wed. :)

[sethypoo]

Don't go out of your way to get an old airport card! They don't work well with airport express. I have drops in music due to slow wireless speeds. I called Apple today and they said that the drops may be due to slower speeds in the original air port cards. So I will just have to wait for my new G5 2.0 which will be here on Wed. :)

Me, I want to wait for my Airport Express compatible wireless iPod!

Can I get an Amen?!?!

[wdlove]

My wife is very interested in the Airport Express. We have a wireless set now. When she tries to use it on the 1st floor the reception power is very low.

[godrifle]

Dude. The Linksys WRT54G (http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=33&scid=35&prid=601) router "is probably not what the average home user has installed"? You might want to rethink that assertion.

This router that "impierced" is referring to is an extremely popular 802.11b/g router that can be picked up for $60-$80 at NewEgg (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-124-010&depa=0), BestBuy (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1051384663529&skuId=5250774&type=product), CompUSA (http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=299891&pfp=BROWSE), and lots of other places. It is Linksys' main entry in the 802.11b/g product category.

Also, the router that you claim "Stupid average users...would probably think ... was a computer" is in fact a computer, as are all routers, albeit specialized ones. As such, a good percentage of them (home and business) run Linux. That this router, and lots of others like it, run Linux, is apparently unknown to more than just "Stupid average users".

Finally, I think a point you may be missing is that none of us need you to quote Apple's disclaimer of cross-product WDS compatibility. What we're seeking is knowledge as to "how likely" 3rd party WDS compatibility will be now and in the future based on the collective IT experience of those in this forum and elsewhere. As with most technologies, just because Apple doesn't warrant compatibility doesn't mean it cannot exist.


About me spreading misinformation:

Apple designed it so WDS would only work with Apple products. There is no guarantee that it will work with 3rd party products. It works with the Linksys, but that particular Linksys is probably not what the average home user has installed (I don't think home users would run a Linux router, they would probably think it was a computer or something. Stupid average users...).

So although you were correct about it working with a 3rd party, I wasn't completely wrong.

[godrifle]

AMEN! And my Apple in dash IPOD deck (slide out iPod connector, rotate, click iPod in, instant tunage). Build it Apple, and I'll buy two right now. Add sethypoo's wireless iPOD to the mix, and I'll buy two, give an AMEN, and a HOLY SH&T!


Me, I want to wait for my Airport Express compatible wireless iPod!

Can I get an Amen?!?!

[pfonke]

My local (Miami) Apple Store reports that they just got Airport Express in today.

I'm on my way . . .

[Nobs]

Called the local Apple Store and they have them in stock! I'm cancelling my online order and heading down to the Apple Store today. Hooray! :D

[bonk]

huh.

just got back from compusa (38th st nyc) with one. wonder why my order online still says OOB 8/10?


cant wait to get back all the shelf space currently occupied by the cd collection this is going to replace!

[rdrr]

Just picked one up from the Apple store in Salem NH.

:D

[bonk]

setup was a breeze. took two seconds to hook it up, then had to install the software, restart, and presto. now have a little pull down menu at the bottom of itunes that lets you select whether you want to play to your computer or the AEX. works like a charm. one thing to note: since it's playing a stream over a network, there's a tiny delay between when you do something and when it responds over the receiver.

[Nobs]

Took me a little bit to set up, but it seems to be working well through the test phase.

Airtunes works well. Streams the music from my wired Powermac via my network. Some cut outs and drop outs, but overall, pretty good.

The thing I was really hoping to work does. The connection through my PS2 to online gaming. I had to fiddle with the settings from the PS2, but once I did (no DHCP and no username and pw to get on the net) I was able to get online like a champ.

I was noticing some drop outs of Airtunes while playing the game. I have to do more testing and see if playing Airtunes AND online gaming at the same time affect the Express Base.

More testing to follow! :D

[Abalem]

Check this out !!WARNING!!

Ok folks, I really like apple, but somehow i realize that as they grow bigger there is something that starts missing:
like the new ipod just released: it's cheaper but you don't have either the clip nor the remote anymore!
but there is mostly one big thing they didn't say about aiport express:
IT CAN'T DO TWO THINGS AT THE SAME TIME!!!!
If you use it to synchronize your itunes, then it doesn't work as airport base anymore.
This is a shame because they did not say it and you get stuck having to buy an airport base eventually

Be careful Steve...

[bb0ys]

Just picked one up from the Apple store in Salem NH.

:D


I'm in the middle of setting up the software so I can connect the AExpress to my existing WRT54G wireless router. NH is weird btw, lol.

[fmcooper]

I'm in the middle of setting up the software so I can connect the AExpress to my existing WRT54G wireless router. NH is weird btw, lol.

One thing to keep in mind with the LinkSys (I have the WRT54G) is that the airport express does NOT support 40-bit WEP (my LinkSys does 40 and 128, Airport Express wants 64 or 128)...

After following the setup a number of times and ending up with a "locked up" airport express that could not log in via client mode to the Linksys, I finally starting wondering if my WEP settings were causing a problem.

After changing to 128-bit WEP and a really gnarly hex string passcode, all is well :)

[bb0ys]

I just spent ~3 minutes adding it to my network. OH MY GOD IT RULES. Say hello to the modern home audio experience.

I picked up a mini-optical to TOSLINK cable at radioshack (gold series) for $10.00, normally $37.99. It doesn't get better than this.

[Trekkie]

Check this out !!WARNING!!

Ok folks, I really like apple, but somehow i realize that as they grow bigger there is something that starts missing:
like the new ipod just released: it's cheaper but you don't have either the clip nor the remote anymore!
but there is mostly one big thing they didn't say about aiport express:
IT CAN'T DO TWO THINGS AT THE SAME TIME!!!!
If you use it to synchronize your itunes, then it doesn't work as airport base anymore.
This is a shame because they did not say it and you get stuck having to buy an airport base eventually

Be careful Steve...

This is patently false, and a complete fabrication.

I wrote a review (http://www.nomorestars.com/B1021933048/C2010691658/E1080303724/index.html) of the airport express on my blog (http://www.nomorestars.com/B1021933048) about the new airport express. One of the comments I got (the only for that matter) was that they wanted to know if the AX worked as an AEBS and let you stream iTunes & surf the web at the same time.

So, I went downstairs, unplugged my AEBS, reset the AX and plugged it into my cable modem.

I configured it, started surfing the web.

I then fired up iTunes and had it play my music out to the AX.

It warned me about no wire hooked up (I couldn't carry my stereo, speakers, amp, etc) but then started to play anyway. I plugged the RCA cord into my Chrysler Pacifica (it has an RCA IN jack) and voila, music.

I then surfed 5 websites I've not surfed from on my home computer (www.hp.com, www.dell.com, www.altavista.com, and two others) each one of those pages came up just like normal.

Meantime, music still playing.

So if you're gonna be a newbie, don't post total BS about the thing not working as advertised, it does.

[debo]

Mine shipped today and will be here Wednesday, and I didn't order until the 25th. Apple is going through these 80000 like hot cakes.

[timsq]

I have had some telephone interference that halted iTunes in mid-play, requiring re-aquiring manually each time. Did somebody try the $20 Linksys firmware flash I read in here somewhere? It seems to me like AEx is a great idea with mixed launch results. I like it and I want it to work like advertised!! I was told to sell the phone...

[phonic pol]

So if you're gonna be a newbie, don't post total BS about the thing not working as advertised, it does.

Steady on old chap; chill with your tunes and calm the aggresive! :D

[shortyjj]

Currently I have an older wireless router, and just bought a new PB (which comes installled with an Extreme card.) If I went to the AExp, would there be any sort of improvement in speed?

[Abalem]

So if you're gonna be a newbie, don't post total BS about the thing not working as advertised, it does.[/QUOTE]

Hey, it's not because I'm a newbie here that I'm a newbie to the mac.
I didn't now you had written a blog about this issue, but here is what happened to a friend ( I might be wrong, but then give me an unpassionate explanation :p )

My friend is a macophile too -- she was having "range" problems with her Airport Extreme base station, and when the Airport Express was announced, was one of the many who ordered it "then end there". She got it, and the iTunes piece worked OK ; but the real killer is that when it is delivering iTunes to her stereo, it STOPS being a network range extension device; it is either on or the other. She spent 2 hours on the phone with Apple tech support before this was "revealed". I may just be naive about the technological aspects -- but this is a complete bummer no matter how you look at it.

To sum up, if you buy an AExpress base to extend your Airport Network, it will impossible to use speakers connected to it. As a matter of fact, as you listen to music the base stops transmitting wireless data to your main airport. And this has been confirmed by Apple tech support after two hours of test.

That's why i became a "newbie" here to discuss this thread, sorry if I'm wrong, but I may not be...

[bb0ys]

Currently I have an older wireless router, and just bought a new PB (which comes installled with an Extreme card.) If I went to the AExp, would there be any sort of improvement in speed?


If your old router follows the 802.11b standard, then yes, you will see a large speed improvement from 11Mbps to 54Mbps.

[Anders Agerskov]

I installed the Airport Express last night and everything worked flawlessly. Existing setup: Quicksilver, Airport Extreme, Vonage box, Replay. Basically, I justed hooked up my stereo (and nothing else, so I cannot say anything about the print server and the ethernet port).

* No installation problems - took about 5 minutes. You first install the Airport and then the software. The software identifies the airport and asks if you want it to join a network or extend it. Very easy.

* iTunes and the Airport Express work very well together. There is a slight delay between sending a signal with my Ericsson phone through Clicker to iTunes and it responding, but it is hardly noticeable. The sound quality is very good - and definitely much, much better than an FM transmitters attached to your mac.

* Yes, iTunes can only stream to one room. I don't think the idea of streaming from the computer to the airport is ideal. Why not let the airport (or whatever device) pull the music instead? This is probably a function of concerns over copyrights and cost of building this into the Airport Express.

All in all, this is a pretty good stop gap solution. However, if you don't have a way to remote control your mac and it is in another room, I would probably forget about the Airport Express (except if you can put it to other good uses). Instead, you will want to look at the EyeHome from El Gato or the Roku Sound Bridge (haven't tried them, though the specs look good).

[neon]

first: my apologies if what i asked is answered within the 7 pages of this thread. i usually spend a lot of time reading as much of the news threads as i can in order to learn but i haven't the time today...

this is a complete newbie question but i really am clueless when it comes to wireless technology.

would anyone care to tell me, in laymans terms, the explicit difference between airport extreme and airport express?

i am ordering an emac soon (my first mac... i use them at work, and find the OS to be a must-have), and my obvious thought is there is no need for wireless connection, because, well, it's an emac. but then i might like an ibook or powerbook somewhere down the line, definitely within 12 months. so should i get the emac with an airport card so i can purchase airport ______? (fill in as appropriate?)

i have spent some time reading the apple website about both products but am left slightly confused. airport express is cheaper but would that fulfill my possible needs?

again, i apologise if people find this inappropriate to this thread, thinking outloud perhaps i shouldve made a thread in buying advice, but i figure people reading this far in will know their stuff...

thanks for reading

[Anders Agerskov]

Neon,

* I think you should consider buying the Airport Express rather than the Airport Extreme *
I have both, and as far as I can see, the only advantage to the Extreme is the two ethernet ports and the modem/antenna. (I may be wrong here, so check others as well). Your choice depends on how many devices you want to attach. Personally, I would buy the Extreme, because I have also a ReplayTV connected to the Airport in addition to the cable modem. My stereo is somewhere else, and it needs a separate Airport Extreme.

* Airport built into the eMac or separate? *
If you have your cable/dsl modem in another room and you are currently running wires, I would buy the built-in Airport for the eMac and Airport Express for the cable modem. If the modem is located in the same place as the eMac, you could connect it directly to the eMac and still buy a built-in Airport so you could share it with your iBook, when you buy it.

My 2 cents.

[neon]

Neon,

* I think you should consider buying the Airport Express rather than the Airport Extreme *
I have both, and as far as I can see, the only advantage to the Extreme is the two ethernet ports and the modem/antenna. (I may be wrong here, so check others as well). Your choice depends on how many devices you want to attach. Personally, I would buy the Extreme, because I have also a ReplayTV connected to the Airport in addition to the cable modem. My stereo is somewhere else, and it needs a separate Airport Extreme.

* Airport built into the eMac or separate? *
If you have your cable/dsl modem in another room and you are currently running wires, I would buy the built-in Airport for the eMac and Airport Express for the cable modem. If the modem is located in the same place as the eMac, you could connect it directly to the eMac and still buy a built-in Airport so you could share it with your iBook, when you buy it.

My 2 cents.
Thank you, very much! That made the whole thing a lot easier to understand :o
My modem is in the same room that I'll have the emac, so that'll be a few £'s towards the laptop :)
Of course by the time I purchase things may have changed... ;)

[pfonke]

Neon,

I'd think twice before getting airport at this point. If you are going to have a wired connection to your router/modem, and you have no other wireless devices, what's the point? Save the cash for your iBook. By then, you may find even cheaper, better wireless options. Even now, you can buy non-Apple wireless access points for a song. I just picked up a netgear wireless g router/firewall/modem (equivalent to Airport Extreme in speed) for $30 after rebate. If all you want to do is be able to surf wirelessly with your iBook and network between iBook and (wired) eMac, something like that may suit your needs perfectly. By the time you get your iBook, you may also have a clearer idea of what you want to do with your wireless network.

Good luck, and enjoy your first apple computer. I still remember my IIc fondly.

[timsq]

I am certain that my new 2.4Gz phone has been interfering with music streaming via AEx. I happens when ever I walk through the network area with the phone on or when it rings near the network. Airport extreme is most likely affected the same way. Back to wired phone in the office area.

[davecuse]

I am certain that my new 2.4Gz phone has been interfering with music streaming via AEx. I happens when ever I walk through the network area with the phone on or when it rings near the network. Airport extreme is most likely affected the same way. Back to wired phone in the office area.

An 802.11G Wireless Router/Card does use the spectrum as a 2.4 Ghz cordless phone, and 802.11B uses 900Mhz. Apple as well as many other vendors have taken this into account, if you open the Airport Admin Utility you can change which channels your base station uses to broadcast. I believe that the Airport uses channel 10 by default, and most phones use 2?, you may want to try bumping up the Airport channel to something higher so that there is most spread between the two devices.

The other option would be to use a 5.8Ghz cordless (what I'm planning on getting), a 900Mhz (as long as you don't have an 802.11B basestation or card), or as you said a wired phone. It all depends on what you're looking to do.

[KronicX]

802.11B and 802.11G both use the 2.4GHz spectrum, not 900MHz

[Nobs]

Oh, just as an aside...I cancelled my order with the Apple Store yesterday to go to the real Apple Store in Cleveland yesterday, thinking that it wouldn't arrive until the end of the week.

9:30 AM this morning, the AExp arrived. I should have waited. But at least I got it a day early.

BTW, I was one of the poor souls who got the "arrival on the 23rd" e-mail.

[timsq]

Currently printing, surfing, and streaming music from 802.11b! This is from am iMac 800 G4 to HP Dj printer through AEx. Nice and now to boot, iChat A/V video chat too! I don't like the interference from other 2.4Ghz devices (phones), but otherwise it's perfect!

[zim]

.... uh.... maybe I am tired, but either way a bit confused, sorry for any redundancy.

I have read apple's page on the AirPort Express and I have read through this thread and yet I am feeling lost.

Here is my set up:
1. iMac w/airport extreme card
2. PowerBook w/ airport card
3. iMac w/airport card

All computers run through (wirelessly) the original ABS, graphite. Based on what I have read, and apple's site does not seem to even acknowledge the original ABS, I have come to the conclusion that I can not add the AirPort Express to my network due to the original ABS.... correct? if no, would the Snow ABS work, the one with the dual ethernet.

This part gets off track... shouldn't the ABS have been updated to receive the audio option? I much prefer the design of the ABS over the AirPort Extreme... what do I spend my money on??? do I upgrade my ABS to the Extreme?

I mainly only want the AirPort Extreme for AirTunes and maybe to sit outside under a tree, currently I can sit on my porch and browse happily.

[Phatpat]

To sum up, if you buy an AExpress base to extend your Airport Network, it will impossible to use speakers connected to it. As a matter of fact, as you listen to music the base stops transmitting wireless data to your main airport. And this has been confirmed by Apple tech support after two hours of test.


Can someone confirm or deny this?

[izzle22]

Can someone confirm or deny this?


Wrong! You can expand your network with APExpress and run speakers through it. Im doing it now. But you will have a problem streaming music with an origonal airport card because they are too slow and you will get drops in music.

[absurdio]

Hey folks. This is directed to those of you who're fortunate to have already received your AExps, and more specifically, those of you who also have a regular AirPort card (not AP Extreme). I've heard some dubious reports suggesting that the AExp might not work well with just the AirPort card. If those of you who've tried this (AExp with AirPort card) would be willing to post your findings, it'd be a big help. I started a forum to that end here: http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=943938#post943938 . Thanks, guys.

[sushi]

According to several reader reports, Apple has begun shipping the much-anticipated Airport Express (http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/) wireless base station. The Express offers 802.11g wireless networking for up to 10 computers, as well as a USB port to connect wirelessly to printers, but most importantly works as a wireless audio bridge to home stereo equipment via an 1/8" audio line-out jack. Working with AirTunes, the Airport Express offers another link in Apple's "digital hub" model, providing a way to move music from the PC to the stereo. The Airport Express is cross-platform compatible, offering its services to Macs and PCs alike. AirTunes is built into the current release of iTunes (http://www.apple.com/itunes) for both Mac & PC.
Can't wait for them to be available in the local computer store (PC Depot, Nojima, etc.).

Sushi

[zed2]

Just got off the phone with Apple UK store.. they are shipping my express today with a 2 day delivery date.. so should have it in my hands by Friday.

--Zed :cool:

[JFreak]

you will have a problem streaming music with an origonal airport card because they are too slow and you will get drops in music.

is this true?

i have an airport express card on my powerbook, but i have a 3rd party b-spec base station. if i put an express to client mode, connecting to the b-spec wifi network, would the airtunes streaming be impossible?

this cannot be true. cd-quality audio is only 1.5MBps and regular b-spec airport should be able to keep up with it.

[JFreak]

802.11B and 802.11G both use the 2.4GHz spectrum, not 900MHz

yep, and that's the reason that g-spec wireless networks cannot guarantee the high-speed transmission if b-spec clients join to the network.

[denm316]

is this true?

i have an airport express card on my powerbook, but i have a 3rd party b-spec base station. if i put an express to client mode, connecting to the b-spec wifi network, would the airtunes streaming be impossible?

this cannot be true. cd-quality audio is only 1.5MBps and regular b-spec airport should be able to keep up with it.

I got my Airport Express yesterday, I have it used with a PowerMac G5, PowerBook G4, and a Linksys 802.11b Router/Access Point. It worked flawlessly and was able to play the music perfectly over the 802.11b network, there was no loss in quality at all.

[bonk]

I am experiencing differences between b+g.... I have a G5 with an AE card, and an older G4 (350) with an original airport card. the G5 streams flawlessly, but there are a LOT of drops when the G4 is streaming.

another issue: I have an epson printer hooked up to it. it will print fine, but I've lost access to some of the printer controls (utilities like head cleaning and checking the ink levels).

[JFreak]

I am experiencing differences between b+g.... I have a G5 with an AE card, and an older G4 (350) with an original airport card. the G5 streams flawlessly, but there are a LOT of drops when the G4 is streaming.

and this has of course nothing to do with cpu power available ;)

[JFreak]

I got my Airport Express yesterday, I have it used with a PowerMac G5, PowerBook G4, and a Linksys 802.11b Router/Access Point. It worked flawlessly and was able to play the music perfectly over the 802.11b network, there was no loss in quality at all.

that's good to know, thank you for the info!

[bonk]

and this has of course nothing to do with cpu power available ;)


why would this have anything to do with cpu power? the G4350 works fine playing music through its attached speakers, and it works fine surfing, networking, and printing over the airport extreme base station. sure, it's a slow computer, but I dont see why the CPU should impact the quality of the stream.

I bet there will be a software patch where the buffer is increased for b cards.

[bonk]

I got my Airport Express yesterday, I have it used with a PowerMac G5, PowerBook G4, and a Linksys 802.11b Router/Access Point. It worked flawlessly and was able to play the music perfectly over the 802.11b network, there was no loss in quality at all.


question: does your PB have an original or extreme card? if it's an extreme card, then you are not playing music over the 802.11b network. you're streaming directly to the AEX, which is 802.11g. the data doesnt go through the router first and then into the AEX - it goes straight from the airport card to the AEX.

[JFreak]

why would this have anything to do with cpu power?

if it's a THROUGHPUT issue, then the dropouts may very well be caused by too slow cpu. it is not a B-spec wifi BANDWIDTH issue because some folks have had success with it.

[JFreak]

question: does your PB have an original or extreme card? if it's an extreme card, then you are not playing music over the 802.11b network. you're streaming directly to the AEX, which is 802.11g. the data doesnt go through the router first and then into the AEX - it goes straight from the airport card to the AEX.

if the express is in client mode, the express station is talking to the 3rd party B-spec base station and all the others too.

[bonk]

if the express is in client mode, the express station is talking to the 3rd party B-spec base station and all the others too.

of course, but I'm pretty sure that airtunes still streams directly to the AEX, not through the router.

[JFreak]

of course, but I'm pretty sure that airtunes still streams directly to the AEX, not through the router.

why would it do that? if the express is specifically configured to client mode, would it listen to any other wifi streams than the one coming from the base station?

[denm316]

question: does your PB have an original or extreme card? if it's an extreme card, then you are not playing music over the 802.11b network. you're streaming directly to the AEX, which is 802.11g. the data doesnt go through the router first and then into the AEX - it goes straight from the airport card to the AEX.

It doesnt stream directly, it streams via the router, which is why a WEP key is needed, just as it shows as 11Mbps it the Interface details for the AE card.

[absurdio]

I'm pretty interested to see if it'll work with the old AirPort card, too. I have the last generation of TiBook, so I've got an original AirPort card, and that's all I can ever hope to have in it. I'd REALLY like AExp to work with it, but now I'm nervous. A quote from the AExp Tech Specs on Apple's site (http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/specs.html) reads " It also works with the 802.11b wireless protocol, so if you have a Mac equipped with the older AirPort Card or a 802.11b Wi-Fi-compliant Windows PC, AirPort Express works with these, as well." I'd like to believe that that's not total garbage....
Not to push it, but I also started a forum (as i mentioned) dedicated specifically to the AirPort + AExp issue here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=945455#post945455) .

[sethypoo]

I just ordered an Airport Express.....however, my estimated ship date is "On or before 8-18-04." Is Apple backlogged with orders? What gives?

Has anyone one else ordered recently (within the last week) and gotten a quicker ship date?

I think I might call and complain/ask why. After all, Apple's site says "Airport Express Now Shipping." :confused:

[aswitcher]

UPDATE FOR AUSTRALIA

Apple Australia just advised me that we have to wait another week for our Airport Expresses. Sounds like they got diverted to the US...

July 29 - at least thats this weeks story...

[Alfie]

[QUOTE=sethypoo]I just ordered an Airport Express.....however, my estimated ship date is "On or before 8-18-04." Is Apple backlogged with orders? What gives?

Has anyone one else ordered recently (within the last week) and gotten a quicker ship date?

I think I might call and complain/ask why. After all, Apple's site says "Airport Express Now Shipping." :confused:[/QUOTe


I think that ship date is actually about right. I ordered my Airport Express on July 11 and I currently have a ship date of 8/9. You have to remember that Apple had 80,000 of these things pre-ordered before they started shipping, so it's going to take them a little time to catch up.

According to others in this thread, they are receiving their Airport Extremes, so they are shipping. You just have to be patient. Or, if have an Apple dealer near by, you could go see if they have one in stock, buy that one and cancel your web order. Good Luck.

[izzle22]

I'm pretty interested to see if it'll work with the old AirPort card, too. I have the last generation of TiBook, so I've got an original AirPort card, and that's all I can ever hope to have in it. I'd REALLY like AExp to work with it, but now I'm nervous. A quote from the AExp Tech Specs on Apple's site (http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/specs.html) reads " It also works with the 802.11b wireless protocol, so if you have a Mac equipped with the older AirPort Card or a 802.11b Wi-Fi-compliant Windows PC, AirPort Express works with these, as well." I'd like to believe that that's not total garbage....
Not to push it, but I also started a forum (as i mentioned) dedicated specifically to the AirPort + AExp issue here (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=945455#post945455) .


I have been using an old airport card for a week and have had terrible stops in music with every song. Yesterday I received my new 2.0 G5 with an Airport Extreme Card and the Express works FLAWLESSLY so that is proof that the Airport Express does not work well(streaming music anyway) with the old Airport cards. That is my experience and many others so far.

[absurdio]

That's so miserably depressing. I was looking forward to this so much...

[cazlar]

One thing to keep in mind with the LinkSys (I have the WRT54G) is that the airport express does NOT support 40-bit WEP (my LinkSys does 40 and 128, Airport Express wants 64 or 128)...


Just a note to say that 40-bit WEP is the same as 64-bit, so this is not a problem. A recent KB article (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=108058) goes through this and gives some good password tips for cross-vendor WEP networks.

[ntg]

[QUOTE=sethypoo]I just ordered an Airport Express.....however, my estimated ship date is "On or before 8-18-04." Is Apple backlogged with orders? What gives?

Has anyone one else ordered recently (within the last week) and gotten a quicker ship date?

I think I might call and complain/ask why. After all, Apple's site says "Airport Express Now Shipping." :confused:[/QUOTe


I think that ship date is actually about right. I ordered my Airport Express on July 11 and I currently have a ship date of 8/9. You have to remember that Apple had 80,000 of these things pre-ordered before they started shipping, so it's going to take them a little time to catch up.

According to others in this thread, they are receiving their Airport Extremes, so they are shipping. You just have to be patient. Or, if have an Apple dealer near by, you could go see if they have one in stock, buy that one and cancel your web order. Good Luck.


...unless, of course, you live in the UK, where even if you ordered it on day one, it's still uncertain when it will ship (and I need mine before Xmas too!!)

Life? Don't talk to me about life.....

Nig. :(

[wdlove]

I was at the Chestnut Hill Apple Store yesterday, they had a good supply of the Airport Express. My wife wanted to purchase one, the first employee said that it would work with our system. Looking at the box and thinking while having dinner, we went back to the store. The second more experience employee, stated that it wouldn't work. So she returned the product.

[rdrr]

I was at the Chestnut Hill Apple Store yesterday, they had a good supply of the Airport Express. My wife wanted to purchase one, the first employee said that it would work with our system. Looking at the box and thinking while having dinner, we went back to the store. The second more experience employee, stated that it wouldn't work. So she returned the product.

Why wouldn't it work? What are you using for a BaseStation and what is your client PC/Mac.

[bonk]

ok. so I switched my AEBS to 'b only' and I'm getting no more drops at all (the express is set to extend an existing network - didnt change any other settings). it's working fine on my G4/original airport card now (cpu limitation - feh). I think I'm MORE pissed at apple now than I was when I was getting drops. how could they not know this? or more likely, how could they release it like this when they DID now it?

they've GOT to release a software or firmware update to fix this.

[bonk]

(yay! just lost my newbie status - I'm a full fledged member now! wheeeeeeeeeee)

[wdlove]

Why wouldn't it work? What are you using for a BaseStation and what is your client PC/Mac.

I have a Power Mac Dual 450, Earthlink DSL, & 2 Wire Wireless Router. When I started my wireless DSL service, they preferred that I use the 2 Wire. They said that they wouldn't help with problems on another product.

They told my wife at the Apple Store that the Airport Express wouldn't work with the 2 Wire. It is meant to work the Air Port Base Station.

[rdrr]

It is meant to work the Air Port Base Station.

Yes but it DOES work with other access points. There are reports of dlink, linksys (with a special firmware), and I am writting this on a Powerbook --> AExpress --> Buffalo Tech 54g router setup. I have no idea if anyone has tried a 2Wire.

[bb0ys]

I'll try to set the record straight. If your router is 802.11b or g compatible, the airport express will work with your current setup. Period. Don't talk about who makes the router or what firmware its running.

I have a linksys WRT54G in the house with 8 wireless computers and 3 wired computers. I bought the AE, plugged it into the stereo, ran through the setup after putting the CD in the computer and it worked flawlessly. EVERY computer in the house with iTunes 4.6 that is connected to the network via wire or wireless (some are 802.11b, some are 802.11g, some are 10Mbit wired and others are 100Mbit wired) can stream music to the stereo without a problem. I've never seen such confusion about product compatibility. The thing works great in all kinds of environments. QUIT THE SPECULATION!

[amyhre]

I hope Apple get used to this large demand. Now that it makes dual platform hardware, the demand should have been a no-brainer. Not to mention Apple makes the excellent (insert cool gadget/software here).

It still puzzles me why Apple didn't promote its wireless capabilities better from the start. We've had wireless in our Macs since the early G4's, not built in, but it was an option. PC people are still kind of gaga about wireless. I hope that this cool new wireless gizmo helps the PC users see that hey, Apple really is modern, powerful, easy-to-use, etc. If Apple delivers on all its multi-platform gizmos, this may be the best advertisement Apple can get.

[germ war]

I'll try to set the record straight. If your router is 802.11b or g compatible, the airport express will work with your current setup. Period. Don't talk about who makes the router or what firmware its running.

I have a linksys WRT54G in the house with 8 wireless computers and 3 wired computers. I bought the AE, plugged it into the stereo, ran through the setup after putting the CD in the computer and it worked flawlessly. EVERY computer in the house with iTunes 4.6 that is connected to the network via wire or wireless (some are 802.11b, some are 802.11g, some are 10Mbit wired and others are 100Mbit wired) can stream music to the stereo without a problem. I've never seen such confusion about product compatibility. The thing works great in all kinds of environments. QUIT THE SPECULATION!

Oh, so you connected to the Airport Express and was able to browse the web with it, instead of connecting to your Linksys router to browse the web? Because that's where the incompatibility lies - being able to set up a Wireless Distribution Service to extend your network.

As it stands, you just seemed to mention that all your computeres can connect to the AExp to stream music. And they should be able to, right out of the box, whether or not you have another router.

[JOD8FY]

I was at the Chestnut Hill Apple Store yesterday, they had a good supply of the Airport Express.

Oh! How I envy you! ;) My local Apple Store got a shipment in on Tuesday, sold out, then Wednesday and sold out so I called up Thursday to reserve my AEx but they said that none were going to come in until next week! :(

They seem to be selling like hotcakes where I am. Hopefully I'll soon be able to get a piece of the pie... (Don't you love old sayings? :D)

JOD8FY

[timsq]

The only local source in New Orleans (yeah, I know) is the CompUSA. They have a Mac Island with a smattering Mac goodies. They have a good supply of AEx yet they haven't really moved that many and they don't even list it on their site. Oh well, I got mine and it's doing fine.

[absurdio]

timsq - you're using your AExp in 802.11b, right? And you're not getting drops?

[timsq]

I'm running an iMac 800 with old Airport card (11mbps) and can surf and print and even Video iChat while streaming mp3 or AAC (rates from 128 to +1000 Kbps). I do not have it setup as a relay via WDS. That service seems wonky! I have an ABS (802.11g) and a Linksys (802.11b) router/switch which serve up the internet and the AEx is wired to the ABS. I stream directly to the AEx while running these other services through it as well (wirelessly). Maybe the full duplex wireless is what freaks the AEx during streaming? Apple has alot on its plate, but they should get the AEx more stable soon.

[yakkoslw]

I had ordered mine online from Apple. Then after seeing the enormous wait date, even after ordering fairly early, I gave up and just visited my local mac retailer who had tons and cancelled my online order. And to make a short story shorter, the setup of the thing was flawless, it worked just like it was supposed to.

But I do have problems with the audio outputs at time. Does anyone else experience slight skips in their audio output from time to time even though the MP3/AAC/whatever is pristine? I'm running off of a WRT54G router and my audio-outputting machine is in the same room as the router :) Does anyone know if this is something that could be solved by modifying the router? (I'm running on the Sartori firmware build).

[timsq]

I have had one major problem with the AEx: Interference from 2.4 Ghz phones. When they are close to the network, they will cause the airTunes to drop, skip and otherwise malfunction. Audio streaming must be high priority network traffic that is sensitive to interference and processor use. The other issue I have had is the WDS protocol. Somehow, it eludes me. Anyone have a clue what the correct setup config is for WDS? I have an ABSx w/ant and the AEx with an iMac 802.11b and a PBG4 802.11g. Currently, the AEx is wired to the ABSx.

[rdrr]

Oh, so you connected to the Airport Express and was able to browse the web with it, instead of connecting to your Linksys router to browse the web? Because that's where the incompatibility lies - being able to set up a Wireless Distribution Service to extend your network.

As it stands, you just seemed to mention that all your computeres can connect to the AExp to stream music. And they should be able to, right out of the box, whether or not you have another router.


Yes I am able to connect to the web via my extended wireless network, and stream music at the same time... In fact I was playing a Call of Duty network tdm and listening to my music lastnight! w00t!!!

I have had one major problem with the AEx: Interference from 2.4 Ghz phones. When they are close to the network, they will cause the airTunes to drop, skip and otherwise malfunction. Audio streaming must be high priority network traffic that is sensitive to interference and processor use. The other issue I have had is the WDS protocol. Somehow, it eludes me. Anyone have a clue what the correct setup config is for WDS? I have an ABSx w/ant and the AEx with an iMac 802.11b and a PBG4 802.11g. Currently, the AEx is wired to the ABSx.

To set up WDS, you need to have the mac address for the AExtream and AExpress. Make sure that the AExp is setup as a client. Also the easiest way to get this accomplished is to turn off encryption and mac filtering. Here is a walkthough for a Buffalo Tech basestation and AExpress setup. Use it as a guide.

setup (http://apx.indusdevelopment.com/)

As for the phone I have a 2.4GHz and have not noticed any drop out while streaming music and talking on the phone.

:cool:

[KronicX]

Giving some hope to people who ordered their Airport Express late from the Apple Store; I ordered mine on July 13th, and it was shipped today (the 26th).

[red_wedge]

Giving some hope to people who ordered their Airport Express late from the Apple Store; I ordered mine on July 13th, and it was shipped today (the 26th).

Hey, where are you based? The U.S.?

I ordered mine on 5th July, but here in Finland it's still 'open'...

[KronicX]

Hey, where are you based? The U.S.?

I ordered mine on 5th July, but here in Finland it's still 'open'...Yes, I'm in the US. That sucks that your order is still "open." Hopefully you'll have yours shipped soon.

[davecuse]

Yes, I'm in the US. That sucks that your order is still "open." Hopefully you'll have yours shipped soon.

I ordered mine on 7/09 and it still shows August 9th or before... Why are you first???

[red_wedge]

Yes, I'm in the US. That sucks that your order is still "open." Hopefully you'll have yours shipped soon.

Yeah, it sucks. It always sucks. :rolleyes:

[davecuse]

Yeah, it sucks. It always sucks. :rolleyes:

Don't feel too bad, I'm in the US, and mine still hasn't shipped... I even payed for 2 day shipping.

Edit: It shipped today 7/27!

[MacCoaster]

I ordered my Airport Extreme Base Station yesterday 26 July and they say they'll ship it to me on or before 16 August.

I can't wait. :) It's the perfect base station for my dorm this year and I'll be off in Europe a lot next year.

[red_wedge]

I can't wait. :) It's the perfect base station for my dorm this year and I'll be off in Europe a lot next year.

Please remember when you come here that Europe is officially three weeks behind the United States. Hence you should expect a three week delay on all communication between the US and the EU. In fact, you should probably book a leaving flight three weeks earlier than you intend to travel in order to arrive on time. Or should that be later...

[MacCoaster]

Please remember when you come here that Europe is officially three weeks behind the United States. Hence you should expect a three week delay on all communication between the US and the EU. In fact, you should probably book a leaving flight three weeks earlier than you intend to travel in order to arrive on time. Or should that be later...
:rolleyes: :D Yah, it should be later. ;) So we'd get the time we wanted in Europe. (Either way, I've logged into IRC and iChat/AIM from the Netherlands and it seems instaneous ;); of course I knew you were joking)

On that note, have you gotten your Airport Express base station? If not, what's your estimated ship date?

[red_wedge]

On that note, have you gotten your Airport Express base station? If not, what's your estimated ship date?

No not yet. 22 July is the estimated date. 30 July is the date they said in the email. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for 'any day now', but I'm willing to bet based on past experience that it will be delayed further so that the US orders can be fulfilled first.

You never know though...

[Alfie]

Just found out that my Airport Express shipped today as well (7/27).

I had ordered it on July 11, and it originally had an estimated ship date of August 9. I'm glad to see that Apple appears to be getting these out a little ahead of the estimates.

Alfie

[eddyg]

Well I ordered my Express in mid June (14/6), the online status still says shipping on or before 15/7. When I phoned they said that mine will ship with the first shipment into Australia on the 30th.. I guess they are too busy to update the online estimated ship date, or they prefer that people phone up instead.

On the positive side it appears that we are only 2 weeks behind the US, which is at least one week before Europe. Although Europe does have the ITMS which is still two years away in Australia/New Zealand. :(

Cheers, Edward.

[aswitcher]

Well I ordered my Express in mid June (14/6), the online status still says shipping on or before 15/7. When I phoned they said that mine will ship with the first shipment into Australia on the 30th.. I guess they are too busy to update the online estimated ship date, or they prefer that people phone up instead.

On the positive side it appears that we are only 2 weeks behind the US, which is at least one week before Europe. Although Europe does have the ITMS which is still two years away in Australia/New Zealand. :(

Cheers, Edward.

AUSTRALIAN UPDATE

Got notification at 12:03am this morning, Airport Express is shipping :D

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

I'm happy, happy, happy...

I just received an e-mail from AppleStore with shipping notification on my AE Express :D

...but still a litte annoyed!

I ordered June 7th, and have not felt like an important customer since they started shipping a couple of weeks ago :mad:

[jason3142]

I ordered my Airport Express on July 16th, yesterday the apple store showed estimated delivery as the middle of August, but I got an email today to say it has been shipped.

Now I just hope that my 2.5 G5 and 30" monitors are not far behind :cool:

[petej]

Arrived just after lunch. Streaming music ever since. Hurray
TNT express delivery from Eindhoven.

PB17
Netgear Wireless G ADSL modem/router

[jason3142]

Arrived just after lunch. Streaming music ever since. Hurray
TNT express delivery from Eindhoven.

ENVY.... :o

What is the time delay in the UK between email shipping conformation and delivery?

I would so love to have it for this weekend to show off at my party, but I doubt if even apple would be THAT quick...... :rolleyes:

There again I seem to remember placing an order with apple in Ireland once and it arrived the following day.... or was that just one of those good dreams :confused:

[sethypoo]

Just found out that my Airport Express shipped today as well (7/27).

I had ordered it on July 11, and it originally had an estimated ship date of August 9. I'm glad to see that Apple appears to be getting these out a little ahead of the estimates.

Alfie

My Airport Express shipped out from Taiwan on 7-27. I chose the free ground shipping service, but it's coming via FedEx International Priority, a service that takes 1-3 business days (my estimated delivery date is today, 7-29). And it only cost Apple 111.12 Taiwanese New Dollars, which is equal to about $3.26.

This is the fourth time that I have chosen the "slow" ground service, only to have Apple upgrade it for no extra charge! Happy, needless to say. :)

[petej]

What is the time delay in the UK between email shipping conformation and delivery?


shipping confirmation sent yesterday(28th) at 23:20

[red_wedge]

shipping confirmation sent yesterday(28th) at 23:20

Wow, that's fast!

Mine shipped yesterday (29th) too, and I'm tracking it all the way to sunny Lapland!

[aswitcher]

Mines here...Sydney Australia

[jason3142]

I have had a phone call from TNT today to confirm that there will be somebody here this morning to take delivery.... 2 days from confirmation.... good old apple :)

Now, wheres my G5 and 30" lcd :confused:

[aswitcher]

Happy, happy, happy, AExpress works a treat.
Loaded disc.
Plugged in ethernet and usb for printer.
Used assistant
Reboot and online :)
My first wireless post :D

[Angelo]

Canada here. Ordered mine July 10, estimated shipping August 9, received email July 29 that it shipped. :D

[DJY]

Ditto here aswitcher!
WOW!
Didn't even need the CD to get online via Airport Express...
just WOW!
I'm still not used to elegant products that are so user friendly, that seem to be designed to actually work!!!!

All very seamless - and now sitting here on the couch - on the 17" Powerbook no wires - but music streaming into my home theatre system, chatting on iChat, surfing the net, and posting in here!

I'm glad the Airport Express is in Australia!

[red_wedge]

Yes, fi-nal-ly it arrived this morning! Set up was a cinch, and now I can sit on the terrace and browse.

For years my girlfriend and I have had to continuously swap cables (too lazy to get a ethernet hub!), now we don't have to fight over net access anymore!

BUT.... I would say that the range is not 'that' teriffic - in our workroom it drops down to one bar, and it's only, what, 10 meters away max. Guess I'll just have to buy another one, one day!



:rolleyes: